I had the pleasure of interviewing celebrity wardrobe stylist, TV personality and editor in chief of Fashion Gxd Magazine, Pilar Scratch.

Pilar is an influencer based in New York City and has been seen on such shows as Dr. Oz, TMZ Live, E! Wags, HBO Latina and more.

Thank you so much for joining us! Let’s show everyone you’re a normal human being. What are your hobbies, favorite places to visit, pet peeves? Tell us about YOU when you’re not at the office.

When I’m off the clock I’m completely on relaxed mom mode. One of my all-time favorites is to be in nature. I love earthing and grounding and traveling, I’m big on traveling to a different state with my seven-year-old at least once a month or taking hikes or cycling with him. Other than that, I’m watching 80s reruns drinking a glass of merlot on a Friday night.

Can you tell us something about you that few people know?

“My favorite color is yellow. My aunt is hip hop icon Rah Digga. I have an identical twin sister, Madison Jaye. My twin sister and I have separate birthdays because I was born after midnight.”

Do you have any exciting projects going on right now?

“Yes! I’m in the works of publishing my first book. It’s a children’s series. The book will be in every popular retail chain. I’m immensely excited about this new venture.”

Many people say success correlates with the people you meet in your life. Can you describe two that most impacted your success and why.

“Hands down, Ty Hunter.

“Ty has impacted and inspired my career in numerous ways. I met Ty in 2012 at a red-carpet event. Before the event he randomly followed me on Twitter.

“Being in the fashion industry and acquiring support from someone such as Ty is amazing. He’s a fashion icon. He’s so humble. Ty is an amazing light to everyone he encounters. He really gave me faith in the fashion industry through his kindness. Since then we have established an amazing friendship.

“His personality and heart are infectious. Since then he’s been a huge inspiration and I’m honored to call him a good friend.

“Another person that has been a vast impact on my career was my aunt Tamika West. Sadly, she transitioned in 2016. Nonetheless, she was one of my biggest inspirations. She was amazingly supportive and conveyed the definition of a survivor. She had lupus for nearly 30 years and had both legs amputated.

“Because of her strength I know I can get through anything. Literally, she was the definition of a modern-day superhero.”

Leaders always seem to find ways to overcome their weaknesses. Can you share one or two examples of how you work outside of your comfort zone to achieve success?

“I became pregnant with my son, River Mason Eromosele, at 19. I decided, as a pregnant college student, I was going to pursue my dreams. I wouldn’t want my child to give up on their dreams, so why would I?

“I would definitely say I stepped out of my comfort zone. I had no other alternatives. I went from living in a shelter with my son to now being the CEO of a successful magazine, celebrity wardrobe stylist and a momager. It was definitely a tribulation, but a weak time in my life that I turned into a powerful moment.

“Speaking to others on how I persevered and came into my fame and success has been vastly fulfilling.”

The concept of mind over matter has been around for years. A contemporary description of this is having mental toughness. Can you give us an example (or two) of obstacles you’ve overcome by getting your mind in the right place (some might call this reframing the situation)?

“I literally had to take months off work to become mentally healthy. Mental Health is vital. I took time for myself to rediscover myself. Sometimes you have to disconnect to reconnect. I overcame severe depression.”

What are your “3 Lessons I Learned from My Most Memorable Failure”

“Weakness is purely choice. You can never fail if you never give up and you have to disconnect to reconnect.”

What unfiltered advice can you give aspiring stars regarding how to avoid common mis-fires in starting their career?

“The best advice I can give to someone rising to fame is to be transparent. Transparency makes your relatable. Everyone is going through their own complexities in life. Your following wants to know you’re human, that you have issues as well. Everyone is looking for motivation in how to overcome whichever complexity is occurring at that moment of their life. Be transparent with your journey and your intentions.”

What is the best lesson you learned from your worst boss?

“I love this question. I’ve actually taken something from every job. Each job aided me in the growth of owning my own company. I’ve encouraged open communication even when it’s difficult. You must always be upfront about your problems. No matter how difficult, face the issue head-on.”

What is one “efficiency hack” you use consistently in your life to keep your time and mind free to focus on your strengths and passions?

“I find equilibrium through having a to-do list. I know it’s a classic. The day before I write down everything I have to accomplish. I find it to be an efficiency hack because as an entrepreneur we tend to waste a lot of time. Having daily goals to accomplish assists in productivity.”

All actors or musicians have sleepless nights. We have a term we use with our clients called the “2 a.m. moment.” It’s when you’re wide awake and thinking not-so-positive thoughts about your business choices and future. Can you describe a 2 a.m. moment (or moments) you’ve had and how you overcame the challenges?

“Wow… 2 a.m. moments. I like that. When I’m having those moments, I take time to reflect. I have to come to the ‘why’ of the situation to get to the ‘how’. Why am I feeling like this? Why is it making me think like this? What am I lacking that makes me feel unaccomplished? Once I unearth the core issue I then get to the ‘how’. How can I overcome this? How can I find the solution? I never try to sit and let those feelings marinate. If it marinates then it becomes toxic and that leads to depression and self-doubt. I disconnect. I take walks, meditate and get some fresh air. It helps me a lot.”

Nobody likes to fail, and we sure don’t like to admit we failed. Can you describe a moment when you confide your most closely-held business issues/problems to someone close to you, and how the conversation(s) helped you work through the issue?

“I always confide in my best friend, Ifueko Igbinovia. She’s a former publicist, so she completely understands the entertainment industry. As well, she’s fully comprehensive of the anxiety that comes with the complexities of having a job in the industry. Ifueko has aided me a lot in my darkest hours. She’ll give me pep talks and remind me of how far I’ve come. Just having a friend that reminds you that your journey isn’t in vain is amazing. I don’t know where I would be without her.”

What is the best way our readers can follow you on social media?

You can follow me via all social platforms: Instagram, Facebook & Twitter @PilarScratch, as well at Fashion Gxd Magazine ( FahsionGxxd.com).

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